Sarnia Jail to Remain Open

News Release

Sarnia Jail to Remain Open

Ontario Government to Keep Facility Operational to Ease Capacity Pressures

Ontario will keep Sarnia Jail open to help ease capacity pressures in southwestern Ontario.

A decision was made to keep the facility open following an internal evaluation of operational needs.

In July, Premier Kathleen Wynne met with community leaders and heard their concerns about the closure of Sarnia Jail. Coupled with the growing need for space in our correctional system, these local concerns informed the decision to keep the facility open.

Keeping the institution open will also allow the ministry to continue providing rehabilitation programs for inmates closer to their home communities.

Ensuring correctional facilities are secure and that staff and inmates are safe is part of the Ontario government's plan to create safe communities and a fair society.

Quick Facts

Keeping Sarnia Jail open will help Ontario address the impact of the federal government’s Criminal Code amendments, which will increase the number of inmates and add considerable pressure to the system.

The Sarnia Jail was opened in 1961 and provides approximately 100 beds in southwestern Ontario.

Ontario has an inmate population of just over 8,000 on an average day.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Our staff is already dealing with capacity pressures throughout the provincial correctional system. We are taking action to deal with those pressures. Keeping the Sarnia Jail open makes sense and will provide additional beds and much-needed space, creating a safer environment for our employees.”

Madeleine Meilleur

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

“We thank the Minister and government for listening to the community concerns voiced by the Save the Sarnia Jail Committee on behalf of the community. The decision will keep jobs in Sarnia and impact positively on the administration of justice and the community.”